When Aaron Shingler was a youngster and still dreaming of one day facing Australia, it was on an Ashes cricket pitch rather than in a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium.

And having been an aspiring fast bowler with Glamorgan as a teenager, there was a time when he was well on the road to facing the Aussies at Lord’s, the MCG or wherever.

But having failed to make the grade at senior level at the Swalec Stadium, Shingler switched to rugby.

And tomorrow an Australian dream of a different kind will become reality when he steps out for Wales against the Wallabies at blindside flanker for his fourth cap.

Asked if the experience will be a variation on the ambition he once held in the gentleman’s game, Shingler said: “Definitely. The dream as a youngster was to play in the Ashes.

“But to be in the Millennium Stadium now against the Aussies will be a great occasion.”

While Shingler never quite made the Ashes, there is one somewhat smaller achievement he does have in his locker which may yet prove a decent omen for him and his Wales team mates in their final autumn assignment – the day he dismissed Aussie legend Ricky Ponting. Well, kind of....

“I bowled to him once in the practice nets when Australia were over here and I’m sure I had him out!” Shingler recalled.

“I was bowling to Michael Clarke and then Ponting came up and said if I minded him batting against me.

“I bowled to him, I got a nick, it probably wouldn’t have carried (to the wicketkeeper) but I’ll claim it!”

Today will be altogether more serious business however.

Shingler, who beat Ryan Jones to the No.6 jersey will be aware that he is probably keeping it warm for the crocked Dan Lydiate.